Renewables’ Health Effects Offset All Subsidies
If you were looking for another reason to like solar and wind power, here’s a good one: By reducing pollution, clean, renewable power is saving lives. A recent paper has concluded the benefit to society at least counterbalances the costs of subsidies. So, even without the environmental benefits, renewable power is still a win-win. Ars Technica gives the details: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/08/wind-and-solar-energy-have-saved-thousands-of-lives-since-2007/

Treatment for Peanut Allergy “lasts up to four years”
Some research from Australia using a probiotic bacillus in conjunction with peanut protein to treat peanut allergies in children had very encouraging results. The BBC has the details: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40960754

Sponges Still Septic After Microwave/Dishwasher
Kitchen sponges are the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of microorganisms, including pathogens. Now we learn that two popular ways which have developed to disinfect sponges just plain don’t work; microwaving them or putting them through the dishwasher leaves loads of viable microbes intact. Curiously, the study that found these results didn’t appear to assess disinfecting solutions, such as bleach, the standard approach in food service. At any rate, Ars Technica has the story: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/07/kitchen-sponges-are-festering-germ-dens-and-sanitizing-them-doesnt-help/

Drug Expiration Dates Described as “Myth”
Most drugs have rather short assigned shelf lives. Characteristically, once past their expiration date, such drugs are discarded, at significant financial and environmental cost. This leaves researchers with few samples of aged drugs to test for potency, so you can imagine the excitement some felt to discover a cache of forgotten prescription drugs dating to the 1960s. The results of testing those pharmaceuticals were eye opening. The great majority of the drugs had maintained potency at or near original levels. ProPublica reports: https://www.propublica.org/article/the-myth-of-drug-expiration-dates

Aspirin Bleeding Risk Found to Increase With Age
A study by Oxford University found that the incidence of major stomach bleeding in those taking daily doses of aspirin was much higher in the elderly. While patients are advised against stopping a prescribed regimen, the matter may be worth reviewing with your physician. The BBC reports: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40262771

‘Fat, Yet Fit’ Myth Busted
It has long been held out by some that a person can be technically obese, but actually be in good cardiovascular health. Now, a major study from the UK would seem to decisively contradict such claims. The BBC explains: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39936138

NSAID Pain Relievers Implicated in Cardio Risk
A wide study has found that common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, were associated with elevated risk of heart attack, particularly at high doses. Even short duration use was found to carry increased risks. The BBC reports: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39858179

Exercise Sharpens Mind for Over-50
Once again, a study has found a link between physical activity and mental acuity. This dovetails with studies showing a link between mental exercise and brain health. To be perfectly clear, however, this does not mean that thinking about exercise is enough. The BBC reports: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39693462

B vitamins May Protect Lungs From Dirty Air
While Oregon doesn’t suffer from air pollution as badly as much of the world, it is still a reality of urban life, here. Trials in the US now suggest high doses of vitamin B can protect lungs from damage from fine particulates. The BBC explains: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39231896

World’s Healthiest Hearts Found
The Tsimane people of Bolivia have been found to have the lowest rates of cardiovascular disease in the world. Their big secret? Diet and lots of exercise, (and maybe intestinal worms). Wanna go paddling now? The BBC expands: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39292389

Nighttime Bathroom Trips Linked to Salt
If you are beset with the inconvenience of frequent potty trips during the night, your salt consumption may, at least partially, be to blame. The BBC elaborates: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39382339

Fasting Diet Triggers Pancreas Regeneration in Diabetics
Researchers are reporting success in treating both Type 1 and 2 diabetes with a “fasting-mimicking diet”, to restore pancreatic function. The encouraging news is covered by the BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39070183

Rates of Dementia Found Higher Near Busy Roads
A recent study in Canada suggests that proximity to major roads could be a complicating factor in dementia. The research indicates that the risk increases with proximity, and may be responsible for an 11 percent higher rate of dementia in those living closest to roads. The BBC explains: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38506735